Israel viewed not participating in US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace as "not an option," an Israeli official explained on Wednesday.
The official explained the rationale behind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to join the BoP. "Israel has an interest in being involved in the decision-making process, especially with Trump leading the way. Not participating was simply not an option," he said.
The official also noted Israel's growing frustration with the United Nations, viewing the BoP as a counter to the UN's influence.
Trump is expected to formally sign the creation of the BoP on Thursday.
Netanyahu's decision to join was not made quickly. For days, Israeli officials debated the move, weighing the risks of aligning with countries like Turkey and Qatar, which Israel views as playing problematic roles in the region. These nations, Israeli officials argue, may not contribute meaningfully to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, or in efforts to curb Hamas's influence or dismantle their terror infrastructure.
However, in the end, Netanyahu chose to accept Trump's invitation.
Joining Israel as members of the BoP are Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, and the UAE. A joint statement from these nations expressed their support for Trump's efforts towards peace and their commitment to backing the BoP's mission.
"We support the initiative for a permanent ceasefire, the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, and a just and lasting peace based on Palestinian self-determination and statehood," the statement read.
European countries hesitant to join BoP
BoP is inviting approximately 60 countries to join; however, enthusiasm from European states has been limited. The UK, Germany, Italy, and France all opted out, citing concerns about the implications of such an initiative. A senior French official remarked that the BoP undermines the UN's principles and structure, emphasizing that international institutions like the UN cannot be disregarded.
In a surprising move, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko accepted the invitation to join the BoP, prompting backlash from some European leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who also received an invitation, announced that he was likely to decline. "Russia, which has been invited to join the BoP, is our enemy," he stated. "How can we be on the same board as them? It's a broader geopolitical issue," he added.
According to diplomats and Trump himself, the BoP is intended not only to address the immediate challenges in the Gaza Strip but also to serve as a long-term alternative to the United Nations. Some have speculated that Trump may intend to lead the organization himself after his presidency ends, providing it with a political identity that extends beyond his time in the White House.
"I wish the UN could do more. We wouldn't need the BoP if they did," he said on Tuesday.
A key issue now is what happens in the Gaza Strip. Trump has already announced the transition to Phase II of his peace plan, which involves disarming Hamas terrorists and beginning Gaza's reconstruction. Israel had attempted to delay Phase II until the remains of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, the last remaining hostage, are returned. However, US officials pushed for progress. "Once Trump's BoP is officially established, we will know which direction things are heading," an Arab diplomat said.
A major debate centers around whether reconstruction should begin before Hamas is fully disarmed. Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who are key mediators, are pushing for the process to begin immediately, while Israel insists on Hamas's disarmament first.
Another issue is how much time Hamas will be given to lay down its arms. Trump announced on Wednesday that if the terror group had agreed to disarm, but he warned that if they fail to do so, the US will take military action. "If they don't comply, we will take action," he declared in Davos.
Israel is concerned that Hamas might stage a "disarmament show" to satisfy the Trump administration while retaining significant weapons. Israeli officials emphasized that if true disarmament is not achieved by the International Stabilization Force, Israel will take matters into its own hands. As of now, it remains unclear which countries will join the ISF and how the disarmament process will unfold.